Clients of Hartlepool Citizens Advice Bureau have given top marks to the service it provides.

A survey has shown 95pc of clients were very satisfied or fairly satisfied with the bureau's service.

The survey, conducted over a four-month period with 255 clients returning survey forms, also showed:

* 99pc considered they had been treated fairly by the bureau.

* 98pc said they were certain or likely to recommend the bureau to someone who needed legal help or advice.

* 92pc were very satisfied with the bureau's telephone advice service.

* 92pc stated the bureau was easy to contact.

Bureau manager Joe Michna said: "It is a requirement of our membership of Citizens Advice and also the funding we receive from the Legal Services Commission that we conduct a 12-month client feedback process.

"The results of this year's survey are very satisfying and clearly show the service we provide to local residents is a quality service and highly regarded by them."

The bureau's services range from advice on debt, consumer issues, and housing to employment law and welfare benefits. The bureau also operates a home visiting service and e-mail and telephone advice services.